Is Acetaminophen, Caffeine and Pyrilamine (Midol Complete) affected by genetics?
Partially. 1 of 3 ingredients has pharmacogenetic evidence.
Acetaminophen, caffeine and pyrilamine contains 3 active ingredients, and 1 of them has published pharmacogenetic guidelines. The relevant gene is CYP1A2. Your genotype can change how that ingredient behaves in your body, while the other ingredients aren't affected by genetics in any clinically established way. The strongest evidence level on this page is Moderate, from the published guidelines shown below.
Also sold as Midol Complete.
Pharmacogenetic guidelines are written for one ingredient at a time, so the guidance below is for each ingredient on its own. What your genes mean for a combination product is less clear, because the dose and the other ingredients can change things. If you take Acetaminophen, caffeine and pyrilamine, it's worth talking over with your prescriber or pharmacist. How we handle combination products.
What's in Acetaminophen, caffeine and pyrilamine
Acetaminophen No known pharmacogenetics
No strong published pharmacogenetic guideline currently applies to acetaminophen.
Caffeine Affected by CYP1A2
Affected by CYP1A2. Guidance from Gene2Rx, moderate evidence.
Read the full caffeine genetics guidePyrilamine No known pharmacogenetics
No strong published pharmacogenetic guideline currently applies to pyrilamine.
Caffeine phenotype recommendations
Published guidance from Gene2Rx on how caffeine should be dosed or substituted based on your CYP1A2 phenotype.
| Phenotype | What it means | Recommendation | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultrarapid MetabolizerCYP1A2 | Your CYP1A2 enzyme is the more easily switched-on type, so caffeine may wear off a little sooner, especially if you smoke. This does not change the usual advice on how much caffeine is too much. | Gene2Rx Caffeine may be cleared quickly, shortening its stimulant effect, particularly in smokers. Advise against compensating with larger or more frequent servings; keep total intake within standard limits. |
Moderate |
| Rapid MetabolizerCYP1A2 | Caffeine may wear off slightly sooner for you than average. The usual advice on caffeine limits applies. | Gene2Rx Caffeine may be cleared somewhat faster than average. Standard advice on moderate intake applies. |
Moderate |
| Normal MetabolizerCYP1A2 | Your body clears caffeine at an expected rate. The usual advice on caffeine limits applies. | Gene2Rx Follow standard moderate intake guidance (up to 400 mg a day for most adults). |
Not rated |
| Intermediate MetabolizerCYP1A2 | You clear caffeine a bit more slowly, so its effects last longer. Usual amounts are fine, but late-day coffee may hurt your sleep. | Gene2Rx Standard advice on moderate caffeine intake; late-day caffeine may disturb sleep. |
Not rated |
| Slow MetabolizerCYP1A2 | You clear caffeine slowly, so it stays in your body longer. Drinking less can prevent jitters and poor sleep and may lower heart risks. | Gene2Rx Recommend reduced intake (e.g. 100 mg a day or less) and longer intervals between servings to avoid adverse effects. |
Moderate |
| IndeterminateCYP1A2 | We could not determine how this gene affects how you process caffeine. | Gene2Rx Follow general caffeine guidelines and monitor personal tolerance. |
Not rated |
| Not availableCYP1A2 | Your data did not include a result for this gene, so we cannot say how you process caffeine. | Gene2Rx Follow general caffeine guidelines and monitor personal tolerance. |
Not rated |
Source: Gene2Rx
The gene behind the guidance
CYP1A2 Cytochrome P450 1A2
CYP1A2 is the liver enzyme that clears caffeine, clozapine, and a handful of other drugs. Its activity is shaped by both genetics and lifestyle (smoking speeds it up, certain foods slow it down), but the underlying gene still sets your baseline. About 40 percent of people carry a variant that classifies them as rapid metabolizers; the rest process caffeine at an average or slower rate.
Rapid metabolizers clear caffeine quickly and may feel less effect from a given dose. Slower metabolizers feel caffeine longer and at lower doses.
See all drugs affected by CYP1A2Browse the full drug class: Other substances.
Related medications
Find out how your genetics affect Acetaminophen, caffeine and pyrilamine
Informational only, not medical advice. Pharmacogenetic guidance describes population-level patterns; your individual response depends on many factors. Never start, stop, or change a medication without talking to your prescribing clinician.